rjm022

i have a 04.5 2500 4x4. the last few days i have had hard steering at very low speeds- like backing up the driveway or when i am stopped (just turning the wheel). i have no noises or loose steering,etc. drives fine at speed. any ideas? steering stabilizer? thanks

Yellowlab

Okay, I could be wrong about this so if anyone disagrees, feel free to correct me. I won't take it personal.

My thoughts are: If you're at very low rpm, the power steering pump is not getting enough power to supply the necessary fluid to turn the wheels. It's kind of like not having power steering for a moment. I used to notice that same issue on my old '03 sometimes. I would just give a little more rpm, and the steering would perform as normal. Also, check the fluid level in the power steering box if you haven't already. Could just be as simple as you're a little low on fluid. Hope this helps...

rjm022

i do appreciate your thoughts. fluid level is fine. the thing is, it just started doing it. truck has 31,000 on it. it never did it before.

gatf4

I'm not saying that there is nothing wrong with your truck, but my truck is definately harder than normal to steer at low engine and vehicle speeds. I feel that my truck is normal and is caused by the very low 14:1 (if my memory serves) steering gearbox ratio.

My truck has excellant road feel and response at driving speeds because of the gearbox ratio. It is very tight feeling. I believe that the Ford and Chevy trucks use closer to 20:1 or higher numerically. They have a very sloppy steering feel IMO. For this great feel on the road, I pay the price in the Home Depot parking lot and backing into the garage. I do think that over the long haul the high pressure on the steering components may have a slight affect on steering linkage and gearbox longevity. JMHO

poacher

Check your tire pressures up front

rjm022

will do. i have 285/70/17's- i have been running the fronts at 42psi.

DR3500

You have to remember you have 4k+ on that front axle and trying to turn while moving slow or stopped is going to be difficult, you can blow the PS pump relief valve open. it takes some serious power to turn the stock size tires in that situation, let alone bigger tires with a larger footprint. Some have been shimming the relief valve to raise the pressure that it opens at. Otherwise it is normal.

rjm022

thanks- i appreciate your help!

DSLRammin

I have the same issue. truck started having problems this summer, a month latter power steering hose blew. Every once and a while, it's tougher to turn than normal. I hear ya brother, I'm clueless also.

fahlguy

It could also be your front u-joints (outer, on CV shaft)......mine acted that way when they were going bad.....but I could also hear them squealing!

Bill

djgaston

Upgrade your steering box. Tom at PSC Motorsports http://www.pscmotorsports.com has two types of boxes for use in Dodge trucks.

All stock boxes have a small oriface that lets the fluid into the gearbox from the power steering pump pressure line. The stock box will work better if you raise the RPM's and put much more pressure on that oriface and force the fluid through. An upgraded steering box from Tom has a larger oriface so that low RPM turning power is greatly increased. Example: I put one on my 01 Ram that had 42 inch Super Swamper TSL's on it at the time, and was able to turn those wide, heavy tires at an idle with one finger. This was before I put the hydraulic cylinder assist on that truck, and was running the stock pump.

runamuk

Just a thought, replace the power steering fluid and make sure it is not contaminated with water/gunk.

Rick

candndelivery

my 05 does the same but as soon as I give a little fuel its easier, also if you have been parking in a different area, like at a different angle or such, I noticed mine doing it more when my front end was face down hill a little

AlanZ

Increase RPM? Automatic … not best idea